What to eat, see, do at Bengaluru Airport

Your guide to Kempegowda International Airport

Bangalore’s Kempegowda International Airport is considered among the best airports in the country. And with a whole host of dining, shopping and relaxation options, the Kemepegowda International Airport in Bangalore rightly lives up to the tag. There’s something there for the international as well as domestic traveller, making time spent at the airport pleasurable rather than a drag. Here’s the lowdown on eating, drinking, shopping and even sleeping your way through KIA.

Where to drink in Kempegowda International Airport

Juice Crush

Start off your trawl through the airport on a healthy note, at this recently opened kiosk. Prep yourself for a long-haul flight (or get rid of your jet-lag) with fruit juices mixed with chia seeds, or just indulge, guilt-free in a chocolate and Ferrero Rocher Shake made with skimmed milk.

Where: KIAL Kerbside

Hatti Kappi

If you are craving one last taste of strong filter coffee before you leave the city, make sure you stop here to get your caffeine fix. Whether its their Kaapi, Mysore Kaapi or Pure Kaapi, it’s served promptly, is strong and piping hot, just as coffee should be. You can even buy packed coffee powder here.

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Tea lovers, fear not, there’s authentic chai poured from copper vessels waiting for you at KIAL. Masala Chai, Green Chai, Ginger Chai or Cutting Chai, there’s enough and more variety to suit the most finicky chai lovers. Conveniently packaged, you also have quick eats like vada pav, bun maska and puffs, if you want a quick bite as well.

Where: KIA Kerbside, opposite the arrival gates

Bar 380

A panoramic view of the runway (this will include the Airbus A380 when operations commence) and a decent-sized drinks menu offers you a welcome opportunity to unwind. The menu features a good range of Indian as well as international whisky, vodka, wine, brandy, gin and rum brands as well as quick bar snacks like fish and chips, bruschetta and onion rings.

With an ambience that’s busier than Bar 380, owing to its location near the restaurant areas, Bar is your go-to place for a quick drink. The usual suspects: wines, beers and spirits are available here, but if alcohol isn’t on your mind then there are several fresh juices and mocktails available as well.

Morning, noon or night, Maiiyas, with their South Indian delicacies, is always bustling. Their hot, soft idlis and crispy vadas are a big breakfast draw for early-morning travellers as are their masala dosas and akki roti. And if you haven’t tried Karnataka’s famous bisi bele bath, you can always sample it here before you bid adieu. And don’t forget to wash everything down with some coffee.

Where: KIA Kerbside

Cafe Noir

In the mood for a cappuccino and croissant before your flight? The European food at Cafe Noir is both elegant and tasty and it’s just the place to unwind before your journey begins. They have burgers, sandwiches, pizzas and pastas that you can enjoy in a cozy enclosed sitting area close to the departure gates. Bid au revoir in style!

Where: KIA Kerbside

La Alta Vita

If Italian food is what you crave, head straight to La Alta Vita. There is a whole range of pizzas, pastas, salads and grills on offer. They also have a buffet as well as several a la carte options if you have time to kill. And not just lunch and dinner; they have breakfast too with coffee, eggs, sausages and danishes.

Whether it’s their traditional Mediterranean Mezze platter, a refreshing Greek salad, or wholesome sandwiches—with hearty fillings of meat, cheese, olives, capers and anchovies—or bruschettas, it’s all about the taste of the Mediterranean here. Their thin-crust pizzas are very popular, and if you have some time to spare, order the surf and turf platter—the prawns, chicken and fish on a bed of polenta make for a hearty meal. And don’t forget the tiramusu!

Where: Opposite the Duty Free Store, Level 1, International Terminal

Tiffin CentrePossibly the busiest of all the standalone restaurants inside the airport, the decor and the food has a distinctly homely charm to it. There is a wide variety of dishes on offer, but the best way to sample them would be to order the thalis. Dishes like Tarkari Gassi, Ennai Kathrikai, Manglorean Fish Curry, Mutton Varutharacha, Gongura Chicken, Puliyogare, Idiyappam and Kerala Parotta are just some of the tastes of South India on offer. The restaurant also has an express version of itself, which has items like Maddur Vada, Goli Bhalli and Bonda for your on the go snack fix.

What’s an airport without some good old-fashioned oriental fare, you might ask? Well, Noodle gives you just that in a food-court like ambience. Noodles and stir-fries are tossed live in front of you. There are lots of soups, dim sums, appetisers such as chilli chicken and golden fried prawns, rice bowls, chicken, lamb and vegetarian gravies to choose from, served quick and hot.

This is the Indian section of the food court serving classic Indian fare. Head there for no-nonsense, quick Indian food. The menu is replete with comfort food like parathas, kathi rolls, samosas, chaats, dal makhani, biryani, mutter paneer, rotis, dosas, gulab jamuns and rasgollas.

Where: Opposite Gate # 18, Level 1, International Terminal

Puro Gusto

If you want to relax over some fine coffee and casual food, Puro Gusto has several interesting options for you. Fresh and crunchy salads, delicately-spiced sandwiches and rolls, croissants and pastries can be enjoyed with some international quality coffee.

Hungry but don’t have time to sit down and eat? Urban Food Market has the food-on-the-go concept down pat. Lots of desserts, savouries like puffs, rolls and sandwiches, pastas, drinks like lassi and badam milk, vegetable and fruit salads are all neatly packed in boxes, ideal to eat while you wait in interminable queues or even on the flight.

Where: Near Gate Bus Gate # 6 and #11, Security Hold Area, Level 0.

Fresh and Healthy

If all the calorific delights at the airport don’t tempt you, this is where you need to go. Salads, made-to-order gourmet sandwiches, soups, fresh juices, healthy smoothies will appeal to anyone who is counting calories.

Where: Opposite Gate # 9, Security Hold Area, Level 1

Where to shop in Kempegowda International Airport

Nandini

About to enter the airport and you suddenly realise you haven’t bought anything for the relatives you’re going to visit? The Mysore Pak and Dharwad Pedas, dripping with the deliciousness of Nandini ghee, will surely earn you many brownie points. And milk lovers can never resist the flavoured milk that you can drink on the go.

Where: KIA Kerbside

The Lotus House

The store stocks arts and crafts representing the essence of South India with more than 10,000 products, featuring the work of close to 150 artisans. You can choose from the famous toys and crafts of Channapatna, Mysore sandalwood from Karnataka, Kondapalli toys from Andhra Pradesh, Tanjore paintings from Tamil Nadu and Cochin ayurveda products from Kerala. The design of the store, too, reflects the South Indian heritage with hand-carved pillars and arches.

Where: International and Domestic Departure terminal

Hidesign and FabIndia

Located right next to each other, these are probably two of the most-well known Indian brands, known for their stylish designs, quality and international appeal. So whether it’s a classy kurta or a leather bag to go with it, you know you’ll be sorted here.

Where: Domestic departure terminal

Relay

Books, magazines, last-minute gift items, travel accessories, or just browsing—Relay is just the place for this. There are a whole lot of international as well as Indian brands on display, and this is an ideal place to spend some time if your flight is delayed. They even have drinks, snacks and chocolates.

A well-known name in the retail business, Shoppers Stop has a wide selection of Indian and international brands for you to choose from, if you want to indulge in some last-minute retail therapy. Clothes, bags, shoes, accessories, featuring brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klien, Guess, French Connection and US Polo among others. Haute Curry, another unit of Shoppers Stop, stocks a wide range of Indian ethnic brands like W, Biba and Melange. There are also whole host of cosmetics, beauty and fragrances featuring brands like Elizabeth Arden, Body Shop, Davidoff and Burberry in their sister concern Arcelia. Kashish, also from Shoppers Stop has a wide variety of the South Indian silk sarees and accessories to choose from. So leave some space in your carry-on for some of their gorgeous Kanjeevarams, Mysore, Pochampally and Gadwal silks, as well as scarves, temple jewellery, silks bags, silk home furnishings and kurtas. Or maybe you can just pick up another suitcase at Fashion Hub, which stocks all the travel accessories you need. And if you are running short on gift items, you can buy coffee from the Coorg plantations, or spices from Kerala at Mithastop.

Where: Domestic/International Departure terminal

Just In Vogue

Watches and more watches is what you get at this outlet. Brands like Swatch, Balmain, Seiko and Tissot are available here, but what amps the luxury quotient is the presence of well-known jewellery brand C Krishniah Chetty and Sons. Launched in 2015, this marks the first time the jewellery brand has entered the airport retail environment. So if you are in the mood to pick up precious traditional Indian jewellery, you know where to head.

Buying a book to read on a flight continues to remain a much-loved habit for many and Crossword with its wide selection of books and magazines ensures that such habits will not die. You can also spend time browsing through their extensive collection of CDs, stationery, toys and other knick knacks. And if your child wants more toys, you can head to Zwoosh, Crossword’s sister concern that has everything from Barbies, Legos, stuffed toys, racing cars, board games and puzzles—almost anything your little one desires—and even a tiny play area.

Where: Domestic departure terminal

Relaxspas and lounges in Kempegowda International Airport

O2 Spa

If all the shopping has tired you out, how about some Foot Reflexology to soothe those tired feet? Or maybe a relaxing Thai neck and back massage? You can all this and more—we are talking manicures, pedicures facials and the like within the airport. With services starting at 15 minutes, a brief respite at O2 Spa could just be what your body needs as you rush from queue to queue (and shop to shop).

Where: Domestic Terminal

Plaza Premium Lounge

This is the first ever Pay-in Lounge at KIA designed to make your life easier. So what’s on offer? For starters, lots of food and beverage options that you can enjoy in several comfortable seating options. There are even shower, spa and massage facilities for you to unwind. And yes, you can also get your work done at their business centre with complimentary wi-fi.

Where: International Departure Lounge, Level 1, Near Gate #18

Domestic Departure Lounge, Level 1

Day Hotel

Need to sleep, shower, or just some quiet time as you deal with a delayed flight or a long layover? You need the Day Hotel. There are 20 rooms to meet various traveller needs; you get a desk, TV, food and beverages, bathroom and shower amenities, and of course a bed. So you are sorted for upto 24 hours if you have your boarding pass or connecting flight ticket.

For the more budget-conscious, this is the lounge you can head for. Warm colours, comfortable sofas and chairs, a plethora of food and beverage options, recharging stations, and a widescreen TV are just some of the facilities on offer. And yes, of course there’s complimentary wi-fi.